Integrative Medicine: Natural remedies for migraine relief

Suffering from migraine headaches and can't find a cure? There may be natural remedies that may help. Here are some holistic interventions that have been shown to reduce migraines.

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By DRS. KAY JUDGE and MAXINE BARISH-WREDEN

southcoasttoday.com

By DRS. KAY JUDGE and MAXINE BARISH-WREDEN

Posted Aug. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By DRS. KAY JUDGE and MAXINE BARISH-WREDEN

Posted Aug. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM

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Suffering from migraine headaches and can't find a cure? There may be natural remedies that may help. Here are some holistic interventions that have been shown to reduce migraines.

Feverfew: In supplement form — as long as it contains at least 0.2 percent parthenolides — 100 to 150 milligrams a day may work in reducing migraines. Feverfew has been shown to be effective in numerous studies for migraine prevention.

Butterbur: A small 2004 study found that patients who took 75 milligrams of butterbur twice daily had around 50 percent fewer migraines, compared with a 25 percent decrease experienced by people given only a placebo. The chemicals in butterbur are thought to decrease muscle spasms and inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain,

Ginger: Ginger can help in two ways — as an anti-inflammatory and as an anti-nausea medication. Fresh ginger appears to work the best; you can try to smell freshly crushed ginger for nausea, or steep some in hot water for a tea.

Caffeine: Caffeine can both worsen and improve a headache, so use this remedy wisely.

Magnesium: According to a study by the University of Maryland, people with migraines often have lower levels of magnesium than those who don't have migraines. Studies suggest that magnesium may reduce frequency by more than 40 percent, compared with 15 percent in those who took a placebo. Other studies suggest magnesium may be particularly helpful for women with menstrual migraines.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Some studies show that this vitamin may also be helpful in reducing the frequency of migraines at a dose of 400 milligrams a day. Note that riboflavin can interfere with some medications.

Exercise: Researchers found that aerobic exercise was as effective at preventing migraines as the preventive migraine medication topiramate.

Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant may help prevent migraines. Studies, including a double-blind, randomized trial showed that more than 60 percent of patients who took 150 milligrams of CoQ10 daily experienced a 50 percent or better reduction in the number of days with migraines.